To start off June, Netflix has added more than 50 popular movies to its library, including multiple sports films.
One of the offerings now available to streamers is 1993's Rookie of the Year, a feelgood flick that has turned up on multiple lists of the greatest baseball movies of all time. Currently, the movie is only available to subscribers on Netflix and Disney+, though it can be purchased on several other platforms.
What to know about Rookie of the Year
First of all, a fair warning. If you're looking for realistic baseball action and storylines, you can probably skip Rookie of the Year, assuming you've never seen it before.
The Daniel Stern-directed sports comedy tells the story of Henry Rowengartner, played by Thomas Ian Nicholas, a Little Leaguer of meager ability who can suddenly throw 100 miles per hour after breaking his arm.
Blessed with this astounding newfound talent, Rowengartner goes on to realize his dream of pitching in Major Leagues for the Chicago Cubs. He and his mother, played by Amy Morton, face their share of trials throughout the 103-minute long film, but everyone winds up with a happy ending.
In addition to Nicholas and Morton, Gary Busey delivers a memorable performance as aging Cubs pitcher Chet "Rocket" Steadman, with Stern providing comic relief as zany pitching coach Phil Brickma ("HOT ICE!").
Albert Hall stars as manager Sal Martinella, with Dan Hedaya playing Cubs GM Larry "Fish" Fisher, Eddie Bracken serving as team owner Bob Carson and Bruce Altman portraying shady sports agent Jack Bradfield.
MLB stars Barry Bonds, Bobby Bonilla and Pedro Guerrero all appear as themselves, and there's even a cameo from John Candy.
Rookie of the Year's impact 33 years after its release
The film corralled $56.5 million at the box office and drew mixed reviews from critics, some of whom praised its pie-in-the-sky plot while others thought it was too hokey. Rookie of the Year also owns only a 41% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes and a 6.1/10 mark on IMDb.
Still, there's no denying its staying power. Writer Will Leitch ranked it the 20th best baseball movie ever in 2023, and at least one person thinks it deserves the No. 1 spot on that list.
If you're looking to just reminisce about your childhood or introduce a fun baseball movie to a kid in your life, you can certainly do worse than Rookie of the Year.
from Men's Journal https://ift.tt/61WUIqR
